Planning for Our Future
Amendments to Charlotte Land Use Regulations (LURs)
The Charlotte Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 16, 2025 at the Town Hall and received public comment on proposed changes to the town’s Land Use Regulations, specifically related to the East and West Villages Project. The hearing presented the Draft Land Use Regulations discussed at the August 7, August 21, and September 4, 2025 Planning Commission meetings.
As presented at those meetings, the principal purpose of the proposed changes to better reflect preferred patterns of development and land use priorities. In short, the changes reflect a maximum density change in the East and West Village Commercial Districts, increasing mixed-use maximum densities to 2 acres in the East Village and 1 acre in the West Village. The revisions intend View the Notice of Public Hearing, which also includes the Charlotte Bylaws Revision Report.
Following state statute, the Planning Commission is required to hold at least one public hearing on proposed LURs amendments prior to finalizing these drafts, and often changes its draft following that hearing, reflecting community feedback. We are also required to notify neighboring towns. Once drafts are finalized, they are reviewed by the town attorney, then forwarded to the Charlotte Selectboard for additional review, and at least one more public hearing. The Selectboard determines the final wording. Please note: As of July 1, 2023, per Act 47 of the Vermont Legislature, the Selectboard may choose to adopt amendments directly, or warn them for a town-wide vote for adoption at a later date. (This is a change from prior practice of all LURs amendments that were always decided upon via a town-wide vote by residents.)
Town Plan Update
The Town Plan has been updated. In short, the updated town plan addresses new state statutes. You can view the Town Plan and the accompanying Maps.
Why have a town plan? A town plan is an important guiding document utilized by many Vermont municipalities. Town plans describe what a town plans to do over the next 8 years—focusing on what matters most and identifying actions to turn that vision into reality. Towns that develop a plan are required to update them every eight years. Though not required by law, a town plan is required to adopt or amend zoning bylaws, also known as land use regulations, and often determines a town’s eligibility for certain state funding.
Thank you to all the volunteers who worked in different sections of the plan and to all that provided invaluable insights as well.
In an effort to meet more of you and provide a place to talk anything planning, I continue to host “Coffee with the Town Planner” on Monday mornings. Come meet the Town Planner at the Old Brick Store every Monday at 8:15am.